Pediatric sialoblastoma: Evaluation and management

OBJECTIVES

Sialoblastoma is a rare congenital salivary gland tumor of epithelial origin. The objectives of this study are to review the literature regarding clinical presentation of sialoblastoma, evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment methods, and present guidelines for evaluation and management in the pediatric population.

DATA SOURCES

Case presentation and literature review.

REVIEW METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify cases of pediatric sialoblastoma in the English-language literature. The presentation, evaluation, and management of reported cases were analyzed. We also report an invasive and recurrent case in a pediatric patient to highlight the aggressive nature of these lesions.

RESULTS

Sixty-two cases of pediatric sialoblastoma were reviewed. The age at initial presentation ranged from before birth to 15 years. The parotid gland was the most common location (n = 47). Surgical excision was the primary treatment in all patients. Nine patients developed metastatic disease of the lung, lymph nodes, or bone. Almost a third of patients had recurrence and over two thirds of patients were tumor-free for at least 1 year following their last treatment intervention.

CONCLUSION

Prompt and complete surgical excision should be recommended to prevent local and systemic recurrence of pediatric sialoblastoma. Chemotherapy has also shown promise in several cases, and clinical genomics may shed light on more therapy options. Patients should be closely followed for at least 12 months following diagnosis, or longer depending on the histopathological staging of the tumor.